Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) candidate in the 2024 Ondo State governorship election, Hon. Olugbenga Edema, has formally resigned from the party, citing treachery and deep-seated internal crises. In a resignation letter addressed to the NNPP Chairman in Ward 11, Ilaje Local Government Area, Edema expressed disappointment with the party’s leadership, which he said had been riddled with rancour and disunity since he joined in June 2024. According to him, the internal wranglings within the NNPP have stifled the party’s growth and rendered it unfit for any serious contender seeking electoral victory. “The party is not healthy for any…
Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are scheduled to meet in Abuja today amidst the gale of defections that has hit the party. The governors’ rank decreased by one two weeks ago when Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP structure in the state to switch allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The governors met three weeks ago in Ibadan where they declared that the party would not join in the coalition talks being spearheaded by the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Alhaji…
The All Progressives Congress has criticised Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, claiming he has failed in all aspects of governance. “It has been a failure in every aspect. The government lacks focus, and the leadership structure is unclear,” said the National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru. However, a member of the National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and a leader of the party in Osun State, Diran Odeyemi, disputed Basiru’s remarks, stating that Adeleke’s accomplishments in the state were evident even to the blind. Odeyemi also stated that Adeleke had no interest in joining the APC…
Northern governors and traditional rulers have endorsed the establishment of state police to address Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, urging the National Assembly to expedite the necessary legal framework. The resolution emerged from a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the 19 Northern States Traditional Rulers’ Councils in Kaduna on Saturday, May 10, 2025, focusing on insecurity and regional development. The communiqué, signed by NSGF Chairman and Gombe Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, stated, “The Forum reiterated its support for the creation of the State Police and called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the enactment…
The Anambra Government has imposed a one-month sanction on Blossom Fount School, Awka, for allegedly selling the position of head prefect during a student election. This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh. According to the commissioner, the school reportedly demanded N5,000 from each pupil aspiring to become head prefect in the primary section. Chuma-Udeh condemned the act, describing it as an attempt to “sell the psyche of the children to the highest bidder from the cradle.” According to her, such practices are unacceptable under the administration of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo. She…
Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the detention of a former member of the House of Representatives, Muhammad Kazaure. In a tweet on his official X handle, the Peoples Democratic Party’s elder statesman described Kazaure’s detention as a disregard for due process. He said, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has once again plunged headlong into its well-worn pattern of lawlessness, arresting and detaining citizens with brazen disregard for due process and without offering any justification for its actions.” He cited the case of the VeryDarkMan, which he said was released…
A bill to establish the National Electoral Offences Commission has passed its second reading at the house of representatives. Speaking at plenary on Thursday, Adebayo Balogun, a lawmaker from Lagos and sponsor of the bill, said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is “overwhelmed” by the burden of handling electoral offences, which undermines the integrity of the electoral process. “The integrity of our electoral system continues to be challenged by many factors, including vote buying,” he said. “So, it is important that we have a commission separate from INEC solely in charge of prosecuting electoral offenders. Lawmakers supported the bill…
Alex Otti, governor of Abia state, has asked Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), to arrest Julius Abure, factional chairman of the Labour Party (LP). On Wednesday, the Abure faction of the LP indefinitely suspended Otti, Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the federal capital territory (FCT); Darlington Nwokocha, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi, from the party. Reacting in a statement issued by Ferdinand Ekeoma, his special adviser on media and publicity, Otti described news of his suspension as a “joke taken too far and an affront on democracy”. The Abia governor also accused Abure of impersonation, adding…
President Bola Tinubu has arrived at the Chinua Achebe International Airport in Umueri, Anambra State, as part of his official visit to the state. The President touched down aboard a Nigerian Air Force Airbus, adorned in traditional Akwete Igbo fabric paired with a red cap. He proceeded directly to the podium, where the national anthem was played to mark his arrival. Accompanying President Tinubu on the visit was his Special Adviser on Security, Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu, along with other key officials. He was warmly received at the airport by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, his Deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, members…
Supporters of embattled activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), have expressed delight over his release after spending six days in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) . Earlier, in a viral video posted by his supporters on social media , VDM was seen inside a car alongside his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, revealing that he was arrested on allegations of money laundering. He however questioned the credibility of the accusation, stating that someone in his financial position could hardly be involved in such an offence. He said: “How can EFCC accuse someone who isn’t wealthy…